Shuttlers told to show their best in Sudirman Cup
JAKARTA (JP): Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, urged national shuttlers to perform to the best of their abilities in the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Copenhagen next week.
Speaking before the national team members at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, Subagyo said although Indonesia was not the strongest candidate, an all-out performance was still needed.
"We'll meet China and Malaysia in the group round-robin. But let's not view the match as a burden. Use the challenge to boost your motivation."
Indonesia will meet Malaysia on May 11 and China on May 12.
Team manager and PBSI vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah, said he would not worry about Indonesia's prospects with Malaysia and would not expect too much from the match against China.
"We can't be over confident against Malaysia, but we'll loosen up a bit against China. We must also focus on our physical condition."
Agus said Mia's absence would not influence the team's performance.
"It's a team event. Her absence won't influence our form. Besides, we hope our women's singles can provoke surprises at the event," he said, adding that Mia had requested two months leave to go to the Netherlands.
On the first day, men's singles Hendrawan and Taufik Hidayat have a good chance against Malaysians Yong Hock Kin, Ong Ewe Hock and Roslin Hashim. In the women's singles, Cindana and Ellen Angelina also have a good chance to overcome Malaysian Wong Sze Mei.
In the doubles, men's duo Cheah Soon Kit and Choong Tan Fook, are the big threat for Indonesia's Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky.
Indonesia will send Taufik, Hendrawan, Ricky, Rexy, Candra Wijaya, Toni Gunawan, Flandy Limpele, Eng Hian, Tri Kusherjanto and Bambang Suprianto in the men's side. In the women's side, Cindana, Ellen, Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Etty Tantri, Cynthia Tuwankotta, Indarti Issoliana, Deyana Lomban, Carmelita, Zelin Resiana and Minarti Timur will join the Sudirman Cup squad. The team will leave on Thursday.
A second group for the World Championships -- consisting of Budi Santoso, Hariyanto Arbi, Antonius, Denny Kantono, Wahyu Agung and Elysa and Emma Ermawati -- will depart on May 13.
Subagyo was disappointed with the absence of key players Hendrawan, Hariyanto, Tri, Bambang, Zelin and Minarti during yesterday's meet.
PBSI training director Christian Hadinata, said Hariyanto was in Kudus, Central Java, to attend the funeral of an official from his club Djarum Kudus. Hendrawan had a therapy session on Wednesday. But the four others did not provide reasons for their absence.
"Actually I'm disappointed and ashamed of their attitude. Their daily routines reflect their personalities. It's undisciplined. It looks like a small problem but it's important," he said. (yan)